DOGS SNIFF OUT DRUGS IN PRISONS

DRUG detector dogs have had a recent run of success finding
marijuana, illicit pills and cocaine at two Manitoba federal prisons.

The Correctional Services of Canada dogs, Samson and Brew, along with
their handlers, have uncovered an unusual amount of drugs -- worth
about $40,000 within the institutions -- over the last five weeks.

The most common ways people try to get drugs inside is by throwing
packages over the fences or trying to sneak it in while visiting an
inmate, said Chris McLauchlan, who works with Samson at Stony Mountain.

Samson, a black lab retriever, has discovered $120,000 worth of
contraband during his five years at the prison.

On March 22, Brew helped catch a visitor allegedly bringing 25 grams
of marijuana into Rockwood Institution, the minimum security prison
the dog usually patrols.

On April 3, Samson sniffed out packages containing 67 grams of
marijuana and four grams of cocaine while patrolling the perimeter of
Stony Mountain, a medium-security prison. Three days later, both dogs
found drugs. Brew found a package containing 6.5 grams of marijuana
and Samson caught a visitor allegedly heading into Stony Mountain
with an unspecified amount of drugs.

On April 7, both dogs sniffed out packages containing 250 grams of
marijuana and 20 grams of cocaine while patrolling Stony Mountain's
grounds.

The prisons have had a drug dog program for about five years. All
drugs and suspects are turned over to the RCMP.

Correctional Services of Canada estimates 80 per cent of inmates
arrive at federal institutions with substance-abuse problems,
creating a potentially lucrative market for drug dealers.

There are programs to help addicts within the institutions, but also
attempts by staff to curb the flow.